Hey, just how NICE is the new DEM majority supposed to be???

[RiverStone]

The NYT ran a story today titled With Promises of a Better-Run Congress, Democrats Take on Political Risks; excerpt and link below. In essence, Pelosi and company hope to revive "collegiality and civility" and not treat the (now) minority rethugs with the same disdain and lack of respect that DEMS were treated to during the rethug's dozen years abusing their power.

No retribution eh? Or are we simply swinging the pendulum the other direction?

Two wrongs do not make a right; though the DEMS came into power on a wave of disgust over just how arrogant and detached rethugs were from the general populace. Not to mention years of nasty legislation which hurt all but the corporate bigwigs and the elite class. So I weigh being the new role models of civility vs balancing the scales and aggressively enacting sweeping changes. That's aggressively folks; pushing our mandate because that mandate is exactly why we came into power the way we did in November.

I ask, do we owe the American people a Mr. nice guy Congress or do we come off the ropes like Rocky Balboa? :kick:

Think I prefer we come out swinging...

* * * * * * *

From NYT
12/27/06

...Beyond the parliamentary issues, Democrats assuming control on Jan. 4 said they also wanted to revive collegiality and civility in an institution that has been poisoned by partisanship in recent years. In a gesture duly noted by Republicans, the incoming speaker of the House, Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, offered Speaker J. Dennis Hastert of Illinois, who is remaining in Congress, the use of prime office space in the Capitol out of respect for his position.

Mrs. Pelosi has consulted with the new Republican leader, Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, in developing initiatives for the year, including a task force to explore independent enforcement of ethics rules. That was in sharp contrast to two years ago, when Republicans — who only grudgingly consulted Democrats — pushed through a set of diluted ethics rules that they were later forced to rescind. Democrats also supported a severance package for senior Republican aides, but the spending was blocked in the last hours of Congress by conservative Republicans.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/27/us/politics/27civil.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin

[babylonsister]

1. I think you can do most anything without inspiring the wrath of

people. I don't think the Dems plan on being too nice when investigations start, but also don't think they will make the rethugs hold hearings in the basement, or wherever Conyers held his hearings on the DSM.

[Vincardog]

2. We can be civil while we flay the NeoConvicts alive. WE just have to make sure the

republiCANTS are on camera supporting the criminals loudly and proudly. The process can be open and fair. The investigations can and should start with the anticipation that they subjects will behave as adults- for the first time in their miserable lives.

[jazzjunkysue]

3. Right. Olive branch to the real old GOP and hang the NeoCons.

They know who's who perfectly well. I think it's smart to win over the voters who just put them in power and make the GOP look like the bunch of thugs they have been under *. Besides, this bunch haven't been able to get anything accomplished except repeal oversight and minimize regulations and start a stupid war.

If we can actually write good legislation we'll stay in power for a long time. We can put big business back in it's place.

[Vincardog]

4. If we can actually write good legislation - start by mandating paper ballots and random audits

then raise the min wage to make it a living wage
then pass universal health care
then repeal every fascist law passed by the mis-administration
then pass a constitutional amendment to outlaw the use of eminent domain to profit corporations.
then pass public financing of elections and outlaw all corporate donations to any politician or their relatives.
then overturn every flat earth "Free Trade" giveaway deal and replace them with trade terms that recognize the value of labor and the environment.
then eliminate Star Wars and all
of the gravy train to the Military Industrial Complex;
spend the money on renewable energy and infrastructure paying high wages to a lot of American citizens.

That will do until the investigations are complete and the public demands the whole criminal cabal be impeached removed and prevented from ever fouling our government again.

[RiverStone]

5. Great points!

Now, who can I credit if I copy them? :)

Thanks for sharing Vincardog.

[Vincardog]

7. Just say It was from some damn LIBERAL you read on the tubes

You might add I am a TEXAS liberal. LOL

[loyalsister]

6. Some people must see a lot of movies

others must operate with cut throat office politics in whatever business they do.
Regardless, the lost art of collegialy deal making and drinking to mutually agreed upon bills is something many actual legislators miss.
There are a number of Republicans who would be extremely grateful to dems for the fact that going to work was more pleasant again.

I think it is worthwhile to keep an open mind.

[Vincardog]

8. would those be the same Republicans who forced the Democrats to hold hearings in the basement?

The ones who stormed in to the meetings and shut off the lights and cut the mikes?
Where were those Republicans who now look for pleasant working conditions when they were making our lives hell?

Do not get me wrong- I am all for being cordial. I saw saw how jr cooperated with the Democrats in Texas and proceeded to fuck us up at ever turn.

Co-operating with the current gang of thugs is like co-operating with a spouses abuser. They are all sweetness and light until the next time they fuck you up.

We have to play nice but keep the tazar handy for when they get out of line.

[loyalsister]

10. Senators and Representatives

should be treated like individuals. This "gang of thugs" mentality that we are approaching with presumes the are all in agreement. I don't think that's true.

I think that there are different personalities and if assumptions are set aside, they may be given an opportunity to reveal the interests of their states and districts and it possible that deal-making could return.

[lies and propaganda]

9. as nice as they were?????

as nice as their going to be?